Joseph Patrick Schonhardt was born still on April 13, 2022, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD after an ultrasound revealed his little heart was no longer beating. Tragically, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Sweet Joseph weighed 3 pounds.
Grateful for the opportunity to have held him for even a moment are his parents, David and Alicia of Tracy, MN.
During his brief life he enjoyed listening from his cozy home inside his mom to lots of stories, songs, jokes, and occasional sibling arguments. Although he never felt the warmth of the sun, he felt nothing but the warmth of love from so many people. His big sister Beatrice loved to hug her mom’s tummy saying, “This is for you AND the new baby.”
Joseph’s family prayed for him every night and frequently debated the best name for him as their tie-breaker boy. Sibling suggestions “Moses” and “Bartholomew” did not make the cut.
Joseph is survived by his parents, six siblings Catherine, Lucia, Michael, Beatrice, Matthew, and Peter, grandparents Mark and Elaine Schonhardt (Delano, MN) and Randy and Laura Simons (Larchwood, IA), and many dear extended family members.
Joseph’s short life is a reminder that all life is precious. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph’s honor to a pregnancy resource center such as The Alpha Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, April 21, at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA with Fr. Sunny Dominic celebrating.